SSEN Transmission has submitted a planning application to Aberdeenshire Council for the Netherton Hub, located to the west of Peterhead.
The hub, a crucial component of SSEN Transmission’s $25.93 billion ‘Pathway to 2030’ investment program in the north of Scotland, will help transform the electricity network in the north of Scotland supporting national energy security and clean power targets.
The application submission involved two years of development and extensive engagement on the project’s design with local community members and other stakeholders, including four face-to-face consultation rounds with over 400 attendees and more than 100 formal responses to proposals.
SSEN Transmission's investment program will support 20,000 jobs across the UK supply chain, out of which 9,000 will be north of the border. The hub will provide significant economic opportunities for local people and local businesses.
The Netherton Hub site was selected due to its ability to host the proposed infrastructure, with fewer environmental constraints and offering greater potential for biodiversity net gain. The site is also well located in terms of its proximity to existing and proposed infrastructure, as well as transport routes.
A significant portion of land on the site is dedicated for drainage, screening, bunding and landscaping. Once complete, the site will include:
- A 400 kV substation to support offshore and onshore electricity generation;
- A 132 kV substation to support further future generation and storage connections from third party developers;
- The Spittal to Peterhead HVDC converter station to support the transmission of renewable energy from new generators in the north of Scotland to demand centres throughout the UK;
- The Eastern Green Link 3 HVDC converter station to support the transmission of renewable energy from generators in the north of Scotland to Norfolk and beyond;
- A further transmission hall, with capacity for more infrastructure to future proof the growing network; and
- A spares warehouse and operations base.
